The deep ocean is one of the last frontiers on Earth, covering over 90% of the ocean’s volume and hosting incredible biodiversity. Yet much of this vast environment lies beyond national jurisdiction, in the High Seas, historically under-regulated and vulnerable to human impacts like overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, adopted under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in June 2023, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard valuable deep-sea ecosystems. The Agreement addresses four main pillars:
- Marine Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing
- Area-Based Management Tools, including Marine Protected Areas
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
- Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
These pillars are supported by institutional arrangements that enable nations and stakeholders to cooperate in conserving and sustainably using biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
BBNJ PrepCom II is shaping the Agreement’s implementation
The second session of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission (PrepCom II) is currently underway in New York (18-29 August 2025). PrepCom II brings together countries to negotiate the practical mechanisms for implementing the BBNJ Agreement, including:
- Funding arrangements and cooperation with the Global Environment Facility (GEF)
- Operation of the Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) for data and information sharing
- Secretariat functions and governance frameworks
- Enhancing cooperation with relevant legal instruments and international organisations
DOSI’s role at PrepCom II
Holding official ‘observer’ status at the BBNJ negotiations, DOSI plays a pivotal role in promoting the sustainability of deep-ocean ecosystems. The DOSI delegation, consisting of members from the BBNJ Working Group and the Marine Genetic Resources Working Group, provides fellow delegates with scientific information, evidence, and knowledge to inform decision-making.
Join the DOSI Side Event at PrepCom II
On Thursday, 28 August, DOSI will co-host a Side Event with partners including the government of Fiji, Ocean Voices Programme (University of Edinburgh), GRID-Arendal, High Seas Alliance, and Oceans North. The session, titled “Connecting IPLC Knowledge to the BBNJ Agreement through Stories, Meanings, and Practices”, will highlight how knowledge from Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities can inform decision-making under the BBNJ Agreement, creating bridges between science, governance, and community perspectives. This is an exciting opportunity to amplify diverse voices, foster collaboration, and showcase how inclusive knowledge can guide the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the High Seas.
Stay connected
Follow DOSI on social media throughout PrepCom II for updates, insights, and ways to engage: from Side Events to scientific contributions, there are multiple pathways for advocates of deep-ocean stewardship to get involved. Together, we can ensure that the BBNJ Agreement is informed by the best available science and inclusive knowledge systems.
For more information about the BBNJ Agreement and DOSI’s involvement in the process, watch our recent video – High Seas, High Stakes: What’s the BBNJ Agreement?